Join the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking | sportanddev.org

30 July marks the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/68/192 in 2013. The United Nations member states declared that such a day was necessary to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.  

On this day, Mission 89 is drawing attention to the young boys and girls who dream of a professional career in sport, but face many vulnerabilities, such as exploitation and trafficking, in pursuit of this dream. 

“Sport has a role to play in driving positive change in society; using its powerful platform, it can help raise awareness and educate young people on ways to tackle global issues such as human trafficking, and in doing so, make a tangible contribution towards achieving SDG Target 8.7,” said Mission 89's Executive Director, Lerina Bright.  

Trafficking in persons is a serious threat to human dignity. Children account for 27 percent of all human trafficking victims worldwide. Child trafficking refers to the exploitation of girls and boys into forced labor and sexual exploitation. Children are the most vulnerable group to trafficking, often preyed upon by traffickers through various means including sports events.   

With the support of organisations such as the African Union Sports Council, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Egypt & Uruguay, Cameroon Olympic & Sports Committee, Child Helpline International, United Through Sports, Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS) representing 23 international federations, International Federation of Muaythai Associations, A-STEP Foundation, and others, Mission 89 is launching the #NotInOurGame Ball Juggle Challenge campaign on 30 July.  

The goal of this social media campaign is to engage and sensitise 10 million young people worldwide on the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking. Participants are required to submit a video showing their athletic abilities as part of the challenge. Afterward, you may submit your video by July and / or upload and share it on your Instagram account directly, with the hashtag #NotInOurGame! 

The best videos will be selected to be included in the global #NotInOurGame 2022 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons campaign video. Follow the guidelines below for more information. 

Join the #NotInOurGame Ball Jungle Campaign and help put an end to modern slavery and human trafficking. 

Why join the “#NotInOurGame” Ball Juggle Challenge? 

Human trafficking is the world's fastest growing criminal enterprise and is the world's second most profitable enterprise. 

Every year, hundreds of thousands of children are smuggled across borders and sold as commodities, including talented young athletes trafficked by sham agents promising fame and an escape route from a cycle of poverty. By joining this campaign you and your organisation will be actively demonstrating (and can report as such), their contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Target  8.7. 

To participate, follow the guidelines and watch the explanatory video provided in three languages: